Republic of the Congo

The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is the smaller and friendlier of the two Congos, although it has had its share of turmoil and instability too. The capital of Brazzaville is located along the massive Congo River across from the other Congo’s capital of Kinshasa. It is a fun and relatively safe city that has a booming river port and a number of colorful markets where you can buy goods and foods of all types. The beach resort of Pointe-Noir also attracts tourists and expat petroleum workers with its sand, sun, food, and drink. In addition to its excellent beaches and water activities, it serves as a major shipping port. 

The Republic of Congo also has large quantities of chimpanzees and gorillas within its borders. In Odzala National Park there are hundreds of moneys, lowland gorillas and excellent hiking opportunities.
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1. La Cote Sauvage
(0 reviews)
Pointe-Noire, Kouilou Region, Republic of the Congo
Travel Tips From Our Members
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1. Steve's Tip on Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Brazzaville Region, Republic of the Congo
Brazzaville and Kinshasa (capital of DR Congo) are the 2 closest capital cities in the world. To cross between them you'll need a visa - and make sure your visa for the country you're leaving is valid for multiple entries, otherwise you'll have to get a new one to come back, too. To get across, the cheap option is the ferry, but it stands until it's full enough to go, and many of the places have minimal shade, so be prepared for a long wait and wear sunscreen! Alternatively, you can ride across in a speedboat as the only passenger - as of late 2007 this cost about GB£ 120.
2. Steve's Tip on Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Brazzaville Region, Republic of the Congo
If you decide to cross from Brazza to Kinshasa, be aware that: 1) you'll need different currency in Kinshasa - Brazza uses the CFA Franc (FCFA) which is valid in various West Central African countries. Kinshasa uses Congolese francs. 2) If you're planning to come back to Brazza, you should check your entry visa for Congo-B - if it doesn't allow multiple entries, you'll have to pay for another one to get back because even though you're only going a couple of miles, and the 2 cities are almost one, you're leaving the country. 3) It's worth paying someone (trustworthy!) to go to the river port with your passport and get your DRC visa in advance, as it can be a long wait for one if you try to get it when you arrive at the port.
3. Charalampos's Tip on Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Brazzaville Region, Republic of the Congo
Brazzaville seemed safe to walk around by day, though it is hot and the place seems abandoned bigtime. Nobody hassled me at all around the centre, which is good news.
4. Louise's Tip on Ouesso
Ouesso, Sangha Region, Republic of the Congo
Try the Restaurant Darling - formerly known as Le Proletariat!
5. Philippe's Tip on Pointe-Noire
Pointe-Noire, Kouilou Region, Republic of the Congo
Good Lobster... cheap cheap
6. Nicolas's Tip on Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Brazzaville Region, Republic of the Congo
african nights are so great
7. Froude's Tip on Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Brazzaville Region, Republic of the Congo
Beautiful scenery, but dangerous.  Charter through reputable company stateside well in advance.